Fish Taco Slaw
Fish taco slaw is a tangy blend of cabbage and mayo-lime dressing. Ready in minutes, it adds bold flavor to fish tacos and pairs perfectly with any seafood dish!
Fish Taco Slaw is a go-to side for any fish taco night. Made with fresh cabbage, a creamy mayo-lime dressing, and a touch of sweetness, this slaw balances tang, crunch, and a little tartness.
Whether you’re grilling mahi-mahi, frying up beer-battered cod, making shrimp skewers, or serving up fish stick tacos this slaw ties everything together in the best way.
It’s a staple in my kitchen, and honestly, it pairs just as well with BBQ pulled pork or grilled chicken as it does with our favorite fish taco recipes.
How to Make Coleslaw for Fish Tacos
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lime juice, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Place the cabbage mix, green onions, and cilantro in a large bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mix, green onions, and cilantro. Stir to combine.
Tips for Perfect Slaw
- Add Some Spice: If you like heat, toss in some diced jalapeños or sprinkle in chili powder.
- Get Creative: Toss in diced mango or pineapple for a tropical flavor.
- DIY Shredding: Skip the pre-bagged mix and use a food processor or sharp knife to shred your cabbage. It’s fresher and cheaper!
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for mayo?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a great lighter option. Keep in mind it’s tangier than mayo, so the flavor will change slightly. You can also mix the two for the best of both worlds.
What if I don’t like cilantro?
Leave it out! Parsley is a fantastic substitute, or you can skip herbs altogether. The slaw will still taste great.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes! Add jalapeños, cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Keep leftover fish taco slaw in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. If you want it to last longer, store the slaw without the dressing and toss it together before serving.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prep the coleslaw dressing up to 2 days in advance. Cut the cabbage and other ingredients just before serving. This prevents sogginess and keeps the slaw crunchy.
More Seafood Recipes to Try
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Ingredients
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice, (about 6-8 limes)
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Slaw
- 16 ounce bag pre-shredded coleslaw mix, (discard any dressing that comes with the mix)
- ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lime juice, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.1 cup mayonnaise¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice2 teaspoons granulated sugar½ teaspoon garlic powder¼ teaspoon salt¼ teaspoon pepper
- In a separate medium bowl, combine the cabbage slaw mix, green onions, and cilantro. Pour in the dressing, and stir to combine.16 ounce bag pre-shredded coleslaw mix¼ cup finely chopped cilantro2 green onions
- Refrigerate until ready to use. See post for tips, FAQS, and storage options.
Excellent! This was my first time making fish tacos and wanted to find a recipe that was easy and tasty. This fit both requirements. The slaw had just enough tart and sweet to complement the fish.
Thank you for sharing your experience Deejae! Kim and I appreciate the kind words and that you rated the recipe. Have a wonderful day 🙂
This slaw recipe was the very best. My husband and I loved it. It has such a robust taste, delicious! I used haddock for the fish.
Thank you Sherry! This is one of our favorite slaw recipes. I’ve never tried it with haddock, I will have to do that soon. Thank you again for commenting and rating the recipe. Have a lovely day 🙂
Made tonight cut fish tacos. Oh my so good! Thank you for sharing recipe.
Thank you Sheri! Kim and I are thrilled you enjoyed the slaw. Have a lovely day 🙂
So glad I found this recipe. It is delicious. Just the right amount of tartness. Tastes super fresh and light. So far I’ve made it to pair with Mahi and Snapper. Pairs beautifully with both.
Thank you Diane! We’re glad you enjoy the slaw. It’s one of our favorites too. It works on fried cod as well. Thank you again for commenting and rating the recipe. Have a lovely day 🙂
This is my go to coleslaw for my fish meals. I have made it several times and my family loves it.
Thank you Tammy, Kim and I are glad everyone likes the slaw. Thank you again for commenting and have a lovely day 🙂
used this on our fish tacos very good!
Thank you Linda! I sometimes use it as a topping on my crab cakes too. 🙂
Phenomenal. So glad we found your page, our fish tacos were a hit and the coleslaw is the reason!
Thank you Holly! We’re thrilled everyone enjoyed the slaw. Have a wonderful day 🙂
Delicious! My husband wants this slaw with every future fish taco 🙂
Thank you Tina, Kim and I are happy you and your husband enjoyed the fish taco slaw. Thank you again for commenting and rating the recipe. Have a lovely day 🙂
Perfect!! Very flavorful and not spicy. For those who like heat, you can adapt this recipe easily.
Thank you Boje! Kim and are glad you the enjoyed the slaw. Thank you again for commenting and rating the recipe. Have a great day 🙂
Needs more salt, otherwise it’s great and I make it all the time!!
Hi Angela!
Thank you so much! We’re glad you enjoy the fish taco slaw. Have a lovely evening. 🙂
This recipe has just the right amount of flavor and tang. It makes great fish tacos!
Thanks Annalisa! We’re glad you liked the slaw. Have a lovely day 🙂
I can’t wait to try this. Can I use miracle whip instead of mayonnaise.
Hi Monica!
We haven’t tried Miracle Whip in place of mayonnaise. I’m not sure how Miracle Whip will taste since it’s tangier than mayonnaise. If you prefer it, give a try and see how you like it. Have a wonderful weekend! 🙂
So delicious and easy! Took our tacos to the next level.
Thanks Kara!
The BEST Coleslaw dressing with broiled talapia on street taco corn tortillas! I sliced half a green cabbage and added green onions and carrots!
Thank you Jenny!
Question, is it 2 bundles of green onions or just 2 individual green onions?
Hi Lori!
It’s two individual green onions not the full bundles.
My husband does 90% of the cooking butttttt I really wanted fish tacos and decided to make this dressing myself! So easy and so tasty!!
Hi Stacy!
Thank you so much! We’re glad you and your husband enjoyed the slaw. Have a fantastic evening! 🙂
Really yummy and easy! Delicious with blackened cod fish tacos.
Thank you Grace, we’re thrilled you like the slaw. Have a lovely day 🙂
EXCELLENT! Thanks so much for taking the time to post!
Was really good, just added a little dijon.